MANISTEE COUNTY — The Manistee County Library may have closed its doors, but staff members are still looking for new and creative ways to reach out while staying at home.

This week, library officials announced plans to provide free, custom-made care packages to members of the community who may be struggling during the state of emergency.

Library assistant director Julie Cirone said that items contained in the care packages will be tailored to each individual request.

“For example, a mother without access to our digital services or a computer may ask us for things to help teach her preschooler about frogs. We will include a small selection of books from our collection to send to the family. If we also have a craft or supplemental worksheet we may also include that,” she said.

Materials provided in the care packages were donated to the library and are free for recipients to keep. Items are carefully selected, packed and mailed to library patrons in keeping with recommended coronavirus precautions.

While the recipient must be be a cardholder to receive the care package, library staff can sign them up for a new library card.

While the library has moved many of its services online during the pandemic, Cirone said that many patrons are without reliable internet access.

“Some do not have a device or simply can not travel to one of our locations for internet access due to transportation or mobility challenges,” Cirone said. “This is a way for us to bridge the digital divide and get resources that are needed to patrons.”

Cirone hopes that the new program will help foster ties to the community, even as patrons are prevented from physically entering the library.

“This health crisis has really challenged our library and libraries across the country on how to provide high-quality, dynamic services to those without digital access,” she said. “Library administration has launched this program to help our community stay connected.”

Those looking to have a care package delivered are encouraged to mail a letter to the Manistee County Library, 95 Maple St., Manistee MI 49660 or send an email to jcirone@manisteelibrary.org.

Library staff will send you or a suggested patron a small package designed to address their specific needs. These may include parents looking to teach their children while school remains closed, isolated seniors or those without reliable internet access.